March in Minnesota is that funny little season where we’re so close to real spring…and yet there’s still snow in a shady corner somewhere, and of course mud everywhere you step. If you’re craving a refresh, plants are one of the easiest ways to add life, texture, and color, especially as we swap out wintery evergreens and deep tones for brighter, fresher greens.
You can (and should!) absolutely use green plants all year round. But in early spring…they just hit different. 🌿
Below is our go-to guide to decorating with plants — what to buy, where to put them, what styles they vibe with, and how to display them so they look intentional.
Our simple star system
Maintenance (5-star system)
- ★★★★★ = I forget it exists and it still thrives
- ★★★☆☆ = Weekly attention helps
- ★☆☆☆☆ = Drama queen, proceed with caution
Light Needed (5-star system)
- ★☆☆☆☆ = Low light tolerant
- ★★★☆☆ = Medium/bright indirect light
- ★★★★★ = Bright light (near a sunny window; some can take gentle direct)
Midwestern note: Winter light is weaker and days are shorter, so plants often want to be closer to windows from November–March. In spring, you can usually back them off a bit.
Our Designer Plant Picks:
1) Pothos (a.k.a. Golden Pothos, Devil’s Vine, Hunter’s Robe, Marble Queen, etc.)
- Maintenance: ★★★★★
- Light Needed: ★★☆☆☆ (low to medium; faster growth in brighter light)
- Where it works: shelves, bookcases, kitchen uppers, bathroom (if there’s a window), office
- Style match: eclectic, boho, casual modern, Scandinavian
- Decor tip: Let it trail from a shelf or place it high so it “spills” down for instant softness.
Why we love it: It’s forgiving, grows quickly, and looks lush even in average light.
2) Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata)
- Maintenance: ★★★★★
- Light Needed: ★★☆☆☆ (tolerates low light; likes brighter too)
- Where it works: bedrooms, entryways, living rooms, offices, corners that need height
- Style match: modern, midcentury, minimalist, industrial…really any style!
- Decor tip: Use a tall planter to emphasize the vertical lines—great next to a console or media cabinet.
Why we love it: It’s basically the “low maintenance friend” of the plant world. There are many variations of a snake plant, and can come in many different sizes.
3) ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Maintenance: ★★★★★
- Light Needed: ★★☆☆☆ (low to medium; avoid harsh direct sun)
- Where it works: offices, bedrooms, darker living spaces, hallway consoles
- Style match: modern, transitional, glam, minimalist
- Decor tip: Looks especially polished in a simple ceramic pot (white, black, or warm taupe).
Why we love it: Shiny, structured leaves that read “styled” without trying.
4) Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Maintenance: ★★★★☆
- Light Needed: ★★★★☆ (bright indirect)
- Where it works: living rooms, dining rooms, sunny offices
- Style match: modern, midcentury, organic modern
- Decor tip: One rubber plant in a corner can replace the need for extra decor!
Why we love it: Big leaves, strong presence, and it looks expensive (even though it’s not).
5) Monstera (Monstera deliciosa a.k.a. Split-Leaf Philodendron, Swiss Cheese Plant)
- Maintenance: ★★★★☆
- Light Needed: ★★★★☆ (bright indirect; can handle some gentle sun)
- Where it works: living rooms, open concept spaces, anywhere you want a statement
- Style match: eclectic, modern, boho, contemporary
- Decor tip: Pair with a woven basket for warmth or a sleek pedestal planter for a clean look.
Why we love it: Those split leaves instantly add that “designed home” vibe.
6) Philodendron (a.k.a. Heartleaf, Brasil, etc.)
- Maintenance: ★★★★★
- Light Needed: ★★☆☆☆ to ★★★☆☆ (varies; brighter for stronger variegation)
- Where it works: shelves, mantels, bedside tables, kitchens
- Style match: eclectic, boho, transitional
- Decor tip: Group with pothos for a layered, collected look—but keep pots cohesive.
Why we love it: Easy, pretty, and it plays well with other plants.
7) Pilea (a.k.a. Chinese Money Plant)
- Maintenance: ★★★★☆
- Light Needed: ★★★★☆ (bright, indirect light)
- Where it works: entry consoles, floating shelves, kitchen counters, desks, nightstands, bookcases
- Style match: midcentury modern, Scandinavian, eclectic, contemporary
- Decor tip: Rotate it regularly — it grows toward the light. If it’s too dark, it’ll get leggy. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering it. It will tell you when it’s thirsty (droops dramatically), then perks right up.
Why we love it: It’s an adorable whimsical little plant, and it produces “babies” you can repot and share with others!
8) Spider Plant
- Maintenance: ★★★★☆
- Light Needed: ★★★☆☆ (medium/bright indirect)
- Where it works: hanging planters, laundry rooms, kitchens, kids’ spaces
- Style match: retro, eclectic, casual, Scandinavian
- Decor tip: Let the “babies” cascade—perfect for adding movement to a room.
Why we love it: It’s cheerful and has a fun, slightly retro personality.
9) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Maintenance: ★★★★☆
- Light Needed: ★★☆☆☆ (great low-light option; brighter = better color)
- Where it works: offices, bedrooms, living rooms away from windows
- Style match: transitional, contemporary, eclectic
- Decor tip: If you want color, pick a variety with subtle pink/red tones—looks amazing with warm woods.
10) Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Maintenance: ★★☆☆☆
- Light Needed: ★★★★★ (bright light; consistency matters)
- Where it works: bright living rooms, sunny corners, tall-ceiling spaces
- Style match: farmhouse, modern, contemporary, organic modern
- Decor tip: If you do one “diva” plant, let this be it…then keep everything else easy.
Honest take: Gorgeous, but not our first pick for “no green thumb.”
11) Succulents + Cacti
- Maintenance: ★★★★☆ (easy if you don’t overwater)
- Light Needed: ★★★★★ (they want sun!)
- Where it works: sunny window sills, kitchen windows, desks with strong natural light
- Style match: modern, Southwestern, minimalist, but really — anywhere!
- Decor tip: Best in small clusters—2–5 little pots together looks intentional.
How to display plants so they look like decor (not an afterthought):
- Go bigger than you think. One substantial plant beats five tiny ones scattered around.
- Vary sizes, textures, and pot styles. This is a great way to add dimension to any space!
- Use baskets for warmth. A woven basket instantly makes a basic nursery pot look elevated.
- Add height with plant stands. Great for corners or layering next to furniture.
- Hang for softness. Hanging planters add life without taking up floor space (perfect for small rooms).
- Cluster like a vignette. Group 2–3 plants with different heights/leaf shapes—keep pots in the same color family for a pulled-together look.
- Try propagation jars. A few stems in glass on a windowsill is simple, pretty, and very “spring refresh.”
- Top dress for polish. Moss, small stones, or bark can hide ugly soil and make everything feel styled.
No Green Thumb? Here’s your plant survival plan…
If you want plants but also want to sleep at night, start here:
- Choose easy plants first: pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, philodendron, Chinese evergreen
- Get a watering routine: pick one day a week to check soil (not necessarily water—just check)
- Use the finger test: if the top inch or two is dry, water; if it’s damp, wait
- Avoid cold drafts: Minnesota winters + drafty windows can stress plants fast
- Rotate occasionally: a quarter turn every week or two keeps growth even
Overwatering is the #1 plant killer. When in doubt: wait. Common signs of overwatering are yellow leaves and moldy, damp soil.
If you have to go faux: what to look for (and what to avoid)
We’re not anti-faux. Sometimes it’s the right call…high shelves, super dark corners, vacation homes, or if you truly want zero maintenance.
Look for:
- Varied leaf tones (real plants are never one flat green)
- A matte finish (shiny = instant fake look)
- Natural-looking stems (bonus if they’re slightly imperfect)
- A realistic shape (not perfectly symmetrical)
- A quality vessel (a great pot can make a faux plant look high-end)
Avoid:
- Plastic shine, visible seams, stiff uniform leaves
- Neon green color
- Fake “fabric” leaves that fray
- Tiny faux plants that look like filler (go larger, fewer, better)
Pro Styling Tip: Put a faux tree in a beautiful oversized planter, then place one or two real plants nearby. The real ones “sell” the whole grouping.
Springtime Inspiration
If your home feels stuck in winter mode, adding plants is one of the fastest ways to refresh without a full redesign. Brighter greens, layered textures, and organic shapes can make a space feel awake again…like the first day you can crack a window in spring.
Happy almost-spring from Revive Interiors! 🌿✨
leave a comment